Woodstock M1113 - Manual (Page 28)

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M1113 18" Wood/Metal Bandsaw
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Workpiece Inspection
(Metal)
Some metal workpieces are not safe to cut with a verti-
cal metal cutting bandsaw; instead, a different tool or
machine should be used to do the cutting.
Before cutting, inspect the stock for any of the follow-
ing conditions and take the necessary precautions:
• Small or Thin Workpieces: Small or thin workpieces
are dangerous to cut if held by hand—avoid cut-
ting these workpieces possible. If you must cut a
small or thin workpiece, attach it to or clamp it
between larger scrap pieces that will both support
the workpiece through the cut and keep your fingers
away from the blade. Some thin sheet metals will
not with withstand the forces from this bandsaw dur-
ing cutting; instead, use a shear, nibblers, or sheet
metal nippers to cut these pieces.
• Round or Unstable Workpieces: Workpieces that
cannot be properly supported or stablized without
a vise should not be cut on a vertical metal-cutting
bandsaw. Examples are chains, cables, round or
oblong-shaped workpieces, workpieces with internal
or built-in moving or rotating parts, etc.
• Material Hardness: Always factor in the hardness
of the any metal before cutting it. Hardened met-
als will take longer to cut, may require lubrication,
and may require a different type of blade in order to
efficiently cut them.
• Tanks, Cylinders, Containers, Valves, Etc: Cutting
into containers that are pressurized or contain gasses
or liquids can cause explosions, fires, caustic burns,
or machine damage. Avoid cutting any of these types
of containers unless you have verified that the con-
tainer is empty and it can be properly supported
during a cut.
• Magnesium: Pure magnesium burns easily. Cutting
magnesium with a dull blade can create enough fric-
tion to ignite the small magnesium chips into a fire.
Avoid cutting magnesium if possible.
• Beryllium: Beryllium dust is toxic. Always wear a
respirator when cutting Beryllium or any alloys con-
taining Beryllium. Also wear the respirator when
cleaning Beryllium dust and chips from the cutting
area.